For the German Navy, it was now time to celebrate their hard-won victory. However, for the British, the outcome of this naval battle was undeniably disheartening.
The flagship of the Royal Navy, the battleship *Revenge*, lay in tatters, battered by the German main guns. Its superstructure was riddled with wounds, charred marks evident all around. Even the armor below the waterline had been torn apart; had the watertight compartments not been sealed in time, *Revenge* might have been sunk. Even so, it was clear that the vessel was listing significantly.
Another battleship, the *Resolution*, fared little better than *Revenge*. Its hull, too, was ravaged in the fierce combat, riddled with gaping holes. Two of its four twin-mounted 381mm main guns had been destroyed. Their survival was purely a stroke of luck.
On the bridge of *Revenge*, Admiral John Jellicoe and Vice Admiral David Beatty wore expressions of utter despair. The battle they had just fought felt like a nightmarish ordeal. Yet, whether they accepted it or not, the battle had concluded, and the victor was clear: the Royal Navy had suffered a calamitous defeat.
"It is over; the Royal Navy is finished. The British Empire is utterly doomed," Admiral Jellicoe lamented, his face a mask of despondency and regret. As the commander of the Grand Fleet, he bore an undeniable burden of responsibility for the defeat. He feared not the consequences, even if it meant facing a court-martial.
However, watching the Royal Navy's dominance slip from their grasp filled him with profound guilt. He understood all too well the sources of the British Empire's strength. Without naval supremacy, could its overseas colonies be preserved? The loss of these colonies would herald the decline of Britain into a second-rate power, an almost certain fate.
"Commander, do not be too hard on yourself. We did our utmost in this battle. Our defeat at the hands of the Germans was not due to any failing on our part, but rather their overwhelming strength and the fundamental errors in our shipbuilding philosophy. From the outset, our vessels were subjugated by the German Navy. Since the war began, we have faced continuous losses, culminating in this utter rout," Vice Admiral Beatty reassured him.
Admiral Jellicoe nodded; indeed, the officers and sailors of the Royal Navy had given their all in this battle. Yet, the final outcome was still a resounding loss, leaving the British Empire with little hope of victory in this war. This burden weighed heavily upon him.
"We can no longer contest naval supremacy with the Germans. It is foreseen that once they secure victory on the Western Front, they will turn their assault upon our homeland. Alas, we lack the strength to thwart them. The flames of war will inevitably consume our nation, and countless lives will be lost," Admiral Jellicoe sighed.
"Commander, this is beyond our control. We are soldiers; our duty is to obey orders. In this war, we have given our all. What comes next is not for us to decide. I trust the politicians at home will know what actions to take. If they wish to avert the flames of war from reaching our shores, they must acquiesce to the harsh terms of the Germans for an armistice. The Empire will never accept those conditions, thus we are destined for continued conflict. Of course, if the Anglo-French forces can hold back the German advance on the Western Front, perhaps a glimmer of hope may arise," Vice Admiral Beatty suggested.
Could the Anglo-French forces truly withstand the German onslaught? Admiral Jellicoe shook his head in disbelief. Although he was a naval commander, he was well aware of the army's situation. The fighting capability of the Anglo-French forces paled in comparison to that of the German army, especially now that Germany had triumphed on the Eastern Front and could redirect its full might westward. Under such circumstances, could the Anglo-French hold their ground? At least, Admiral Jellicoe remained skeptical.
Nonetheless, as Vice Admiral Beatty had pointed out, such matters were beyond their purview. They were but the remnants of a defeated force. The politicians at home would undoubtedly grapple with the chaos left in the wake of this disaster.
"Commander, Chief of Staff. The telegram has been drafted; shall we send it?" an officer inquired.
"Considering the time, we have evaded the Germans for nearly two hours. Even if we send a telegram now, they are unlikely to intercept it," Vice Admiral Beatty replied.
Previously, they had refrained from contacting home for fear of being pursued by the German fleet. Now, with the immediate threat subsided, it was time to send the message.
"Send it. I'm sure Lord Churchill is anxiously awaiting news. Regrettably, we bring tidings of defeat rather than victory for the British Empire. Nonetheless, it is essential for the nation to be informed, so they may prepare accordingly," Admiral Jellicoe stated.
"Yes, Commander," the officer replied, promptly dispatching the telegram.
In the capital, London, at the Admiralty.
Though it was nearing ten o'clock at night, Churchill had not left his office, remaining there to await the final outcome of the decisive clash between the Royal Navy and the German fleet.
Churchill knew full well that, given the strength of the Grand Fleet, victory would be an uphill battle. Nevertheless, he hoped for a stalemate, a scenario in which both sides would suffer grievous losses. Such an outcome would afford him the opportunity to act; the eventual victor was yet undetermined.
"Why is there still no news? Could there have been an unforeseen turn of events? God save the British Empire; may our plans come to fruition. If we could defeat the Germans, it would be the best possible outcome. At the very least, we must ensure a costly stalemate!" Churchill silently prayed.